Poldark is over for the season with another insane plot twist (for those who haven’t read the books). And, it’s crazy that we have to wait another year to see how everything plays out. (Don’t worry, this article is spoiler free.) So, as we all impatiently wait for the epic final season and conclusion of Poldark next year, here are thirty other period dramas that will hopefully fill the void of that Poldark addiction. I know I can’t be the only one obsessed with the sweeping romance, Aidan Turner’s abs (kidding but he does go shirtless quite a bit), and soapy plot twists…

WHERE TO WATCH

To make the list useful, I’ve included places where you can watch the film or TV Show in the U.S. At least as of now, the publication date. Availability changes on a daily basis.

Top 30 Period Dramas To Satisfy Your Poldark Addiction

(In No Particular Order)

#1: The Musketeers (2014-2016)

Photo: BBC

Why You Should Watch: This one is all about the entertainment factor. The Musketeers offers up romance, action, and several hot period drama men! Yes, watch this for Santiago Cabrera as the romantic Aramis. I know I do…Aidan Turner has some competition!

Content Note: TV-14

Where to Watch: Buy on DVD, Stream on Hulu, or Rent/digitally buy on Amazon, Vudu, iTunes, GooglePlay, and YouTube.

#2: Poldark (1975-1977) & (1996)

Poldark (1975)Photo: BBC

Why You Should Watch: There’s no better way to fill that Poldark addiction than actually watching Poldark! Take the year to binge the entire adaptation from 1975. And then watch the 1996 TV Movie featuring Ioan Gruffudd (I’m curious why such low ratings). It’s time to decide which one you like best.

Content Note: NR but likely TV-14.

Where to Watch (1975): Buy on DVD, Stream on Acorn TV, or rent digitally on Amazon, iTunes, GooglePlay, and YouTube.

Where to Watch (1996): Buy on DVD or Stream on Britbox.

#3: Horatio Hornblower (1998-2003)

Photo: A&E

Why You Should Watch: With eight epic television films, there are a lot of Horatio and heroic tales to love! It’s also a similar time period to Poldark if you’re seeking a Georgian costume drama. Plus, there’s Ioan Gruffudd again. Who doesn’t love Ioan??

Content Note: NR but likely feels TV-14.

Where to Watch: Buy on DVD or rent digitally on Amazon or iTunes.

#4: Wuthering Heights (1939), (1970) & (1992)

Why You Should Watch: While Emily Bronte wrote Wuthering Heights during the Victorian Era, the story actually takes place in the late 1700s. But, besides the time period, Wuthering Heights is revolutionary in the evolution of our Byronic Hero of the broody variety. And Ross Poldark definitely comes from that lineage. He’s not a villain like Heathcliff but he’s certainly dark and similar in many ways, prone to violent outbursts and moodiness. Plus, there’s the smoldering.

Over the years, there have been several Wuthering Heights adaptations but these three stand out. Laurence Olivier’s version is worth watching if you love classic romance. Meanwhile, the 1992 adaptation is the closest to the plot of the book. However, it’s the Timothy Dalton 1970 adaptation that gives the best Heathcliff performance. I also see comparisons in the way Dalton and Turner interpret Byronic Heroes. It’s why I’m convinced that Turner is destined for the role of Heathcliff. Please, can someone make this happen? On a side note, if you’re looking for a soapy adaptation to satisfy that Poldark addiction, you can also check out the 2009 version starring Tom Hardy.

Content Note: The 1939 adaptation is NR but feels PG, while the 1970 version is rated G, and the 1992 version is PG.

Where to Watch (1939): Buy on DVD/Blu-ray or buy digitally on Amazon Prime. Also be sure to check TCM listings as they occasionally air this one.

Where to Watch (1970): Buy on Blu-Ray or rent digitally on Vudu.

Where to Watch (1992): Buy on DVD/Blu-Ray, Stream on Amazon Prime Starz Subscription, or rent digitally on Amazon, iTunes, and Vudu.

#5: Jane Eyre (1983) & (2006)

Photos: BBC

Why You Should Watch: Speaking of the Brontes, Charlotte’s Jane Eyre also revolutionized the Byronic Hero. While I love several adaptations of my personal favorite book, these two versions capture the spirit of the novel best. Again, Timothy Dalton is brilliant as a Byronic Hero. Meanwhile, it’s Ruth Wilson from the 2006 version who truly embodies the essence of Jane. However, both Janes and Rochesters are fantastic.

Content Note: TV-PG

Where to Watch (1983): Buy on DVD or Stream on Hulu and Amazon Prime.

Where to Watch (2006): Stream on Amazon Prime, Britbox, and Hulu. Rent/buy digitally on YouTube and GooglePlay.

#7: Wolf Hall (2015)

Why You Should Watch: If you’re just looking for another excellent period drama with fabulous British actors, I highly recommend Wolf Hall about Henry VIII and his various wives. (All without being explicit.)

Content Note: TV-14

Where to Watch: Buy on DVD/Blu-Ray, stream on Amazon Prime, or rent/digitally buy on Vudu, iTunes, GooglePlay, and YouTube.

#8: Victoria (2016-)

Shown from left to right: Tom Hughes as Prince Albert and Jenna Coleman as Queen Victoria. Credit: Courtesy of ITV Plc for MASTERPIECE

Why You Should Watch: For those who love watching period dramas about royals, I highly suggest Victoria. The romances will have you swooning in no time. You may also enjoy the drama if you like shows about the class structures with an Upstairs/Downstairs vibe. Overall, the filmmaking styles of Victoria and Poldark are comparable, so if you like Poldark, you’ll probably enjoy Victoria.

Content Note: TV-14

Where to Watch: Buy on DVD/Blu-Ray, Stream on Amazon Prime and PBS Passport, or rent/digitally buy on Vudu, iTunes, GooglePlay, and YouTube.

#9: Reign (2013-2017)

Reign wedding. Photo: CW

Why You Should Watch: Reign is far from accurate, but who cares? This Mary Queen of Scots historical fantasy series is just so darn entertaining. Plus, Megan Follows IS hilarious as Catherine de Medici. Not to mention, several romances will steal your heart.

Content Note: TV-14

Where to Watch: Buy on DVD/Blu-Ray, Stream on Netflix, or Rent/digitally buy on Amazon, Vudu, Fandango Now, iTunes, GooglePlay, and YouTube.

#10: Jamestown (2017-)

Photo: Sky 1/PBS

Why You Should Watch: Look, Jamestown isn’t the best period drama of all time, but if you’re bored and looking for something in a pinch, watch Jamestown. There’s a lot of intrigues to hold your interest. It will fill some time until Poldark returns next year!

Content Note: TV-14

Where to Watch: Buy on DVD, Stream on Amazon Prime with Masterpiece Subscription or PBS Passport. You can also rent/digitally buy on Vudu and iTunes.

#11: Turn: Washington’s Spies (2014-2017)

Photo: AMC

Why You Should Watch: It’s time to go to America on a similar if slightly earlier timeline as Poldark. The writing is excellent about the first American spy ring. A great choice if you find yourself rooting for Poldark’s various causes. Plus, Jane Austen fans will love seeing their very own Mr. Tilney (J.J. Feild) on the screen.

Content Note: TV-14

Where to Watch: Buy on DVD/Blu-Ray, Stream on Netflix or Rent/digitally buy on Vudu, YouTube, GooglePlay, and iTunes.

#12: Les Miserables (1998)

Photo: Columbia Pictures

Why You Should Watch: Most of you have probably seen the Hugh Jackman musical by now, but have you seen the 1998 adaptation of the book? While quite a bit gets cut out, I appreciate the quiet and tender romance of the film. It stars Liam Neeson, Geoffrey Rush, Claire Danes, Hans Matheson, and Uma Thurman. And on a side note, George’s obsession with Ross has always reminded me of Javert’s obsession. He never gives up…

Content Note: PG-13

Where to Watch: Buy on DVD/Blu-Ray or Rent/digitally buy on Amazon, Vudu, YouTube, GooglePlay, and iTunes.

#13: Ordeal by Innocence (2018)

Photo: Amazon Prime

Why You Should Watch: Perhaps you’re missing Eleanor Tomlinson on your small screen. May I suggest an Agatha Christie period mystery starring our favorite Demelza?

Content Note: TV-MA

Where to Watch: Stream on Amazon Prime.

#14: And Then There Were None (2015)

Photo: BBC

Why You Should Watch: After finishing Ordeal by Innocence, take a look at another mystery. This time it stars Aidan Turner in a mysterious role. Sometimes, watching films with our favorite actors definitely helps with that Poldark addiction!

Content Note: NR but fluctuates between feeling TV-14 to TV-MA.

Where to Watch: Stream on Acorn TV or buy/rent digitally on Amazon, Vudu, GooglePlay, and iTunes.

#15: Vanity Fair (2018)

Photo: ITV

Why You Should Watch: I recommend Vanity Fair for you Elizabeth fans who understand why she chooses money over love. I mean, she’s no Becky Sharp…

Content Note: Rating Unknown.

Where to Watch: Buy a Region 2 DVD on Amazon or Amazon UK. The U.S. Airdate remains unknown. I will update if it becomes available.

Turn the Page for More Period Dramas To Satisfy Your Poldark Addiction

About The Author

"Because when you are imagining, you might as well imagine something worthwhile," L.M. Montgomery. In second grade, Autumn wrote her first story, “The Spinach Monster,” and hasn't stopped writing since. Intrigued by the tales her grandmother told of vampires, witches, and ghosts as a girl, she's always been drawn to the fantastic. Later, Autumn studied English and Creative Writing (continuing her love for classic literature and everything old-fashioned) and also graduated with an MA in Children’s Literature and an MS in Library & Information Science from Simmons College. Currently, she co-runs this lovely blog and works at The New York Public Library as a YA Librarian.

2 Comments

I liked this list! 🙂 I’m a bit sad that the next season of Poldark will be the last. 🙁 But it is better for it to end when it should and not to drag out and loose the viewers’ interest. I’ve already watched and also recommend Poldark fans to watch:
* Horatio Hornblower;
* Victoria;
* The Paradise;
* Lorna Doone;
* Amazing Grace;
* Lark Rise to Candleford;
* Becoming Jane;
* North and South.

I really enjoyed all those period dramas. The one that really helped me when I missed Poldark (after series (season) 1) was the 8 movies of Horatio Hornblower. 🙂 After watching all 8, I felt I needed to see more and watched the movie Captain Horatio Hornblower R.N. (1951)! 🙂